In the Age of AI, What Is a University Education For — and Is It Still Worth It?

<p dir="ltr">Higher education is facing a <a href="https://www.deseret.com/education/2026/07/15/higher-education-poll/">season of disruption</a> &mdash; from <a href="https://www.deseret.com/video/2025/12/04/deseret-voices-episode-5-hacking-higher-ed-where-does-ai-cross-the-line-in-education/">artificial intelligence</a> and <a href="https://www.deseret.com/utah/2026/04/01/gardner-higher-education-report/">affordability concerns</a> to <a href="https://www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty-research/policy-topics/education-training-labor/examining-threats-academic-freedom-america">political pressure</a>, public skepticism and shifting demographics. But <a href="https://www.baylor.edu/">Baylor University</a> President <a href="https://president.web.baylor.edu/person/linda-livingstone-phd">Dr. Linda Livingstone</a> believes moments of uncertainty can also become moments of transformation.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In this episode of "<a href="https://pages.deseret.com/podcasts/deseret-voices">Deseret Voices</a>," host <a href="https://www.deseret.com/authors/jane-clayson-johnson/">Jane Clayson Johnson</a> talks with President Livingstone about the greatest challenges and opportunities facing universities today. They discuss how Baylor balances rigorous scholarship with its Christian identity, why academic freedom matters, how AI is reshaping the purpose of college, and what universities must do to rebuild public trust.</p>

<p dir="ltr">President Livingstone also reflects on Baylor&rsquo;s own transformation during her presidency, including its rise to R1 research status, its efforts to reckon with its history, and its mission to &ldquo;bring light to the world.&rdquo; At the heart of the conversation is a question facing students, parents, educators and policymakers alike: What is the true value of higher education in an age of rapid change?</p>

<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;<a href="https://pages.deseret.com/podcasts/deseret-voices">Deseret Voices</a>&rdquo; is hosted by award-winning journalists <a href="https://www.deseret.com/authors/mckay-coppins/">McKay Coppins</a> and <a href="https://www.deseret.com/authors/jane-clayson-johnson/">Jane Clayson Johnson</a>, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the &ldquo;Deseret Voices&rdquo; podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;Deseret Voices&rdquo; is a <a href="https://www.deseret.com/">Deseret News</a> podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video &amp; Podcasts.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr">Episodes of Deseret Voices drop every Monday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DeseretNews">@deseretnews</a>), Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/deseretnews/">@deseretnews</a>), Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/deseretnews">@deseretnews</a>) and X (<a href="https://x.com/Deseret">@deseret</a>).</p>